LEGEND OF NEVETSECNUAC- THE ORDEAL
(SECTION 2)
Consequently, shortly after ingesting it she’d lost all consciousness, remaining so, in that most vulnerable state for an unsettlingly undetermined time. Afterwards she’d shuddered at the thought of it, for imperiled (rendered vulnerable) such, she could have fallen prey to perhaps a malignant force or forces. As it were, the moment her eyelids were shut, an enormous size snake- a python of sorts appearing on the scene- had quietly coiled her in a protective circle and remained so for the entire duration of her sleep.
Meanwhile the steed had already been well teetered some ways off inside the mouth of the cavern; though greatly alarmed, he could not run away. When she’d finally regained her consciousness, sensing a presence of sorts, she’d turned on her side somewhat groggily, with her eyes slid ajar to behold just then the gargantuan, long tapering cylindrical form silently slithering away to instantaneously (summarily) vanish into thin air.
In her petrified (terrified) state, her already
rigid limbs growing colder still, as if anesthetized, became fastened to the
very ground. Eventually with the warm blood once more coursing through her
veins she’d regained the full use of her faculties. Needing a breath of fresh air then, she’d steadied
her nerves and willed her feet to the outside; but one catastrophe besetting another;
she’d this time come face to face with the most ferocious mountain lion
guarding the entrance.
Two fiery gleams from crimson pupils had (shot) projected forth to pierce her very soul; then, in a blinking of an eye it too had evaporated, leaving her to doubt the validity of this intense and frightful experience. Ghostly white, her hand resting on a pounding, palpitating heart, she’d after a spell, dismally thence had shaken her head and took in a calming breath.
Get a
grip on your sense’s girl! It’s nothing more than a bogus, surreal imagery. Biting the corner of her upper lip,
she then loudly reasserted: “There’s nothing before me. It’s only a cruel hoax
of my imagination, an elaborate hallucination, or perhaps, the remnant of the
nightmare!” For what other explanation could there be, still, it’d felt so
real!
Oh, but this
is so disconcerting- in my solitude my mind has begun playing such tricks on
me! Her forehead
creasing, with a frown she again inwardly aggrieved. I’m increasingly
becoming delusional; and how long will it be, before the impending insanity?
This wildlife abstinence besieged by this abject, unearthly silence, living
each day on the precipice, how much more can I, must I endure? Shall I ever
reach my objective, or shall I be worsted (defeated) way before any true chance
is gained? Thus far I’d stood firm in my belief of Heaven’s guidance and protection;
but what if I’m, I’ve been wrong all along? Could I in fact, perhaps, cast
under the spell of evil mountain spirits, am being led astray, driven into the very
core of the destructive fires of the Underworld; or equally worse, be trapped
permanently in the sinister web of abysmal loss?
~
Thankfully,
subsequent days nothing untoward had happened, nothing at all worth mentioning.
Through sheer willpower she’d regained her full sensibilities and once more
focused her attention on achieving the task at hand (major objective).
The hardest
ordeal to overcome however, had been the ever-present weird quiet and the unsettlingly
persistent monotony that had by then expanded till it’d stilled the very wind
and engulfed the all-encompassing air. Meanwhile, the ache of loneliness growing
incessantly strong, had by degrees gripped her heart, her very soul in such an all-consuming
vise that it had dangerously at times distorted full facts, consumed life’s
least joy, diminishing any or scant hope. Her sanity teetering on the brink, of
late she’d entertained a vehement hanker, that her constant, albeit phantom
companion be somewhat manifest, regardless of whatever the form!
On this singular
morning with the invariable concern still pestering her mind, before setting
out on the next leg of the journey she’d voiced her pent-up desire, then
laughed out loud at her own folly, her silliness for doing so.
After an
incessant, grueling ride where they’d ascended the precariously hung narrow
strip of the goat’s path that semi-circled a steep cliff and then negotiated a
difficult, rocky terrain- by late afternoon of the subsequent day, she and the
horse had finally got some reprieve when they’d reached a relatively sheltered,
level, grassy patch.
Her face now gently caressed by the subdued winds, in her exhaustive state she was soon lulled into a consistent stupor (trance) by that ever-present monotonous, unnatural quiet; ergo she rode on with a hung head, her mind lost in a miasma of obscure imagery- leaving the more alert steed to at will pick the course. When the mount suddenly halted and neighing threaded his hoof nervously on the ground, Teuquob snapped out of her hypnotic reverie, sullenly raised her head and looked bleakly on ahead not expecting much of any variance.
What’s this,
another phantom?
Remarkably however,
what she’d perceived did not, as in the past, spontaneously dissipate or instantly
vanish into thin air. This time around the illusory mental image persisted (lasted)
and remained altogether solid.
Oh, but how can
this be? Disbelieving her eyes she rubbed them, and then with a focused vision
anew looked on. But no mistaking it… There, up ahead her eyes still beheld a
rather pleasant looking, long haired, clean shaven young man who was not much
older than she and what’s more, was clad in strangely familiar attire. His
bearing was immaculately clean and well composed. Armed with a staff, he
supported a bundle over one shoulder.
Unabashedly (brazenly) meeting her inquisitive eyes, he simply nodded as if in answer, yes, you are not envisioning me. I assure you, I’m flesh and bones!
Then sporting a most charming smile he quickly advanced with bold strides towards her. His friendly demeanor had at once disarmed her, but not her nervous steed, which now fidgeted terribly and strove to run away. As she dismounting, tried to calm the beast, the young man meanwhile at closer proximity now, graciously, with an elaborate gesture of the hand and bow of the waist extended his verbal polite greetings to her.
So elated had
she been at the fortuity (prospect) of meeting a sole companion, that the
strange occurrence did not strike her as being odd till much later: That in
this inhospitable, God-forsaken stretch she would chance on a being, a
relatively disarmed one, on foot, so well preserved- with hardly a scratch on
him, totally composed, spotlessly clad and propitiously, speaking to her in her
own native dialect. Instead, quite ecstatic, she’d at once turned to squarely
face him and to extend her likewise polite greetings. Just then, however, the reins
that she’d held onto rather laxly got violently yanked from her hand. The
spooked beast let out a frightful neigh and arching its back trampled the air
up high with his fore hoofs (hoofed feet) before summarily bolting in lightning
speed.
But her attempt at rushing after the steed had at once been vigorously curtailed by the amicable stranger who’d politely then proceeded to give his mitigated reasons, at the same time advising her on the futility of such a course.
“Let him be.”
He insisted. “The path from here on being steeper, you’ll have no further use
for the beast of burden. You’ll be doing him a favor. He stands a better chance
of surviving on his own. Who knows, he may even find his way back home; however
far that may be!” He cheekily sized her up then grimaced. “But come, come, you
needn’t worry- you are in good hands now! Oh, and don’t worry about your stuff
(belongings) either,” He rushed to reassure her. “I have here in these bags,”
he pointed to the two bundles that he carried over one shoulder, “everything
you’ll ever need and more. It’ll be my pleasure to share.” His apparent
generosity of the heart coupled with his tranquil, melodious tone had an almost
bewitching effect on her, at once erasing any suspicion or misgivings from her
mind. Besides, she’d wanted and chose to believe in the stranger’s virtue and moral
rectitude, overriding the otherwise instinctual warnings, deeming him to be probably
untrustworthy and even dangerous- likened to a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
What’s more,
in a short span even the residue reservations had melted away as true to his word,
he’d proven quite competent in expeditiously tending to all her needs. The
shared, the consumed dried rations amazingly enough, had promptly restored her
to her prior good health and vigor; meanwhile, the special brew he’d insisted
on her partaking a sip or two, had instantly with remarkable potency, cleared the
cobwebs from her mind, erasing least doubt and fear. Moreover, as a lasting boon,
her cognizance and thoughts from then on had become lucid, more translucent and
focused. At least that’s what she’d deemed, rather, believed it to be true!
The strange ointment
which he’d concocted from the combination of few indigenous plants and powdered
ingredients that he had on him, had in due course brought about the most miraculous
effect on all her cuts and bruises.
The spare garment, cape and footwear which
he’d so generously produced from his bundle -one of the supposed offerings
destined for an “Earth Goddess” of a specific shrine he’d hoped to visit- now
being bestowed on Teuquob, meanwhile, fit her perfectly and so comfortably that
it was beyond belief. The exquisitely embroidered damask, unusually durable, light
and breathable, kept her body’s temperature moderately cool during physical
exertion in the daylight hours and perfectly warm and snug during inactivity
and sleep despite the frigid temperatures of nighttime. Meanwhile, every step she took from thereon
was like walking on air or on clouds.
Necessities well
disposed, as means of cementing the relationship and hoping same time to goad
(prod) her into doing the same- he’d somewhat reluctantly and bashfully relayed
his tragic personal history: Claiming to be of a young lad from an old established
aristocratic family from Kontu that unfortunately due to unavoidable
circumstances, while he was in his early teens, his family had fallen on hard
times. Bent on upholding of what was just and honorable his illustrious father
had sought retribution; unfortunately, with dire consequences. Ensuing years of
retaliation and much bloodshed, he, the last of his line, finally seeing the
light through the rigors of covert spiritual discipline, had long at last broken
free from the ongoing vendetta and embarked on this religious quest. Hinting at
an unimaginable atrocity, and some of it by his own hands, then a most grievous
personal loss, details of which, being still too fresh, too painful for him to
recount: he’d, after having ignited her curiosity and fueled her wild
imagination, gracefully abstained from revealing any further.
She had no reason to doubt his story. Nor could she fathom the true motive, even if she did, for the weaving of such an elaborate account that would have ultimately ensnared the wisest, the absolute disbeliever in such a potent net. Meanwhile she’d relented about her earlier incertitude and so came to confess of her actual name being that of Teuquob, not Jiense. Despite her gratitude however, she’d remained (tight-lipped) hesitant to recount or to reveal the least bit of her personal history, deferring it to later time instead.
He’d been both kind and understanding- masking
not so well his apparent curiosity- by not pursuing the matter or prying into the
reasons for her prior deceit. Afterwards, the two walking alongside, he’d
readily volunteered his other admirable qualities, cloaked in false modesty of
course. Overall as he appeared most sincere and kind, his amicable words soon
won him her unbiased confidence. Of late she had even entertained the notion of
forgoing the wait and unburdening herself entirely, without qualm, to this most
sympathetic, compassionate individual. Observing him from the corner or her
eye, rather discreetly she nodded to herself, yes, perhaps this evening, after
the repose will be an appropriate time.
It turns
out, he beat her to it.
They had not
gone far that afternoon, when he’d abruptly halted and turning to face her, “Please
don’t think me too intrusive, but your ladyship is on a similar quest as I, are
you not?” he’d suddenly, to her astonishment, blurted out.
“That
depends on the kindness of fate sir.” Her rash, ambivalent answer had at once escaped
her lips; for amidst shock, she was inwardly pondering on what had given her
away. Was it her demeanor, the manner of speech …What? Teuquob, granted a rare
name, was merely her personal name, known only to immediate family members and a
few intimate people. He could surely not
have made the connection. In Kontu she’d been sequestered most of her life in
private quarters, there was little likelihood of him ever knowing anything
about her- even if he’d happened to be, as he’d claimed, a prior aristocrat from
her native land. Unless!?... Through the trusted grapevine, she’d heard of the
existence of DFOCA (Deadly force of covert assassins) an elite network of spies
and assassins recruited from all walks of life, in the secret employ of Hedenko.
The special force, being party to all confidential information, had perpetuated
and maintained a vast record on all key Kontu citizens, civilians, military and
nobles alike. Nothing, however minute, escaped their detection or enumeration.
The often-utilized knowledge, had spread fear and dread throughout the country,
reaching far beyond the national borders!
But no! She
quickly rejected that notion as well. No, he couldn’t be one of those butchers;
there had to be another reason for his stark (blunt), startlingly keen
perception.
From the corner of her eye, she studied him a while longer even though she’d desperately wanted to learn the extent of his knowledge, how much more did he know and was not telling? But instead masking her resurgent unease, she presently smiled and quickly intoned. “But please do not refer to me in kind. I’d rather be addressed plainly, as Teuquob.”
“Though we
are far from any civilization, I still wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to continue
on with this impropriety- being guilty of blatant violation of protocol by addressing
you by your personal name my Lady.” At once he’d vehemently objected; but as
she insisted, relenting, he’d agreed to bend the rules of etiquette a little. “Oh,
very well, as we are both cast perhaps by “Heaven’s” secret design into this wilderness,
I suppose it won’t hurt to transcend some social barriers.” After a winning
smile, with an elaborate bow- his hand in a semicircle sweeping the air- he’d
gallantly consented. “In truth, I hate all that contrived ostentatious, pompous
nonsense anyhow!” Looking away, he’d then mumbled to himself. “But I am rather
offended and should really be cross with you for pegging me a DFOCA spy…Especially
since I’ve said and done nothing to warrant that. Pray tell me, what further
proof you need of my sincerity and of my good will?” He looked askance at her, then
half turning chewed on the words, “Humans!”
Before she
could respond however, anew facing her in an altered mood, he’d with an amicable
tone suddenly interjected: “Then again, it was providence that threw us
together. An encouraging thought! Hmm, we must therefore, for the sake of
harmony, strive to be more lenient, more tolerant of any shortcomings and not
take any offence- whether it is in the form of misspoken words, acts or
thoughts- to heart. Don’t you agree?” But his question seemingly did not
warrant any response, as he without a pause continued. “The fault lies with me;
in not completely winning your confidence, I humbly therefore offer my apologies!
Absolute trust, basis of any friendship, after all, must be earned.”
Dumbfounded
by this lecture, she’d just looked up at him, seeing him as if for the first
time, but now in a different light. A truly complex individual, a bit paranoid
perhaps and interchangeable as the wind, he was. Furthermore, underlying his
seeming humility, she’d detected his feelings of annoyance, and a certain
arrogance smothered in impatience.
This time he
was truly irked by her. But mastering his outrage, he simply lowered his eyes
and in thoughtful air stroked his chin. “Hmm. Unfortunately, yes, there is no
other recourse my L… um, correction, Teuquob; you must ascent this terrible
mountain that lies ahead if you so desire to reach the intended place of
warship.” Looking up, he intoned earnestly, his face the very picture of a
concerned sponsor. “But take heart for I can be of great service to you. I know
what’s at stake and what’s to be expected; with all my abilities placed at your
disposal, you needn’t be dismayed (or be afraid of failing). After all, and
please don’t think me impertinent or presumptuous: For I say this with deep conviction:
Yes, I must have been planted here by providence, as nothing is per chance; doubtlessly
to see to it that you’ll fulfill your aim!”
A magnetic, winsome
smile brushed his lips as he again startled her with the subsequent revelation.
“Hmm; yes, you may also erase those worry lines, for Ensa is all right. She
made it back O.K. The rough (thug) Yoansu meanwhile after an extensive search has
deemed you to be dead…Perished in some deep chasm or at the maw of a voracious
beast. He’s long since called off his
goons!”
“How did you…?”
She sharply looked up, abruptly falling silent. Was he clairvoyant, able to foretell
the future as well as decipher her thoughts (read her mind) and know her
heart’s innermost desires?
Not
quite. I told you the things you needed to hear. He wryly mused, narrowing his eyes. “Yes,
you can say that; I’m somewhat a mystic.” He devilishly chuckled, meanwhile, outwardly
answering her subsequent, silent query.
Observing her
further unease, with a glib tongue he rushed to quickly add. “But I do hope you
are not offended or least bit frightened by it? I do humbly apologize for my
transgressions. This ability, newly gained boon or a curse has been the result
of my long years of extensive spiritual training that had also encompassed
rigors of meditation. Yet if it makes
you least bit uncomfortable, I’m more than willing to curtail, that is to refrain,
as a sort of courtesy - as I’d done so already since our first meeting till
now- from using this skill. If you so desire,
I’ll certainly abide by your wishes, to ensure you of your absolute right to
privacy?”
She was thinking,
you are true gentlemen, sir! When she, speechless, nodded her head.
“It shall be
as you desire!” he smiled amicably (delightedly). She was oh so naïve!
“I do
apologize for getting on ahead of myself.” Lowering his gaze for a spell, he
ejected sincerely. “After all, as fellow travelers on a serious quest, we must first
learn to be at ease with each other; and only after a sufficient time perhaps become
serious confidents, if not soul mates! And please do forgive my reiteration: the
foremost basis, the core of any lasting relationship is trust, is it not? Taking
due liberty,” he swallowed, shunning her eyes and looking every bit vulnerable.
“I now have a
declaration, a sort of ignominious confession of my own to make: Despite the
years of pedagogy and all my spiritual discipline, of late solitude was
beginning to wear on my nerves. I craved the companionship of a single human
being. Therefore, I’ve erred, begging your pardon now for all my unsolicited
exuberance and for my however unintended, taken liberties (audacity) since our
chanced meeting in this forlorn, desolate corner of the world.” He rejoiced
when he again elicited the favorable response.
~
(END OF SECTION
2)
(MORE SURPRISING EPISODES WILL UNFOLD IN THE NEXT POST OF
THE ORDEAL SECTION 3)
